SIMULTANEOUS PERFORMANCE OF ENDOSCOPIC VENTRICULOCISTERNOSTOMY OF THE THIRD VENTRICLE FLOOR, AQUEDUCTOPLASTY, FENESTRATION OF THE SUPRACEREBELLAR CYST IN OCCLUSIVE HYDROCEPHALUS IN A CHILD IN THE FIRST MONTH OF LIFE

The article presents a clinical case of the simultaneous execution of endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy of the third ventricle floor (ETV), aqueductoplasty, fenestration of the supracerebellar cyst in occlusive hydrocephalus using a semi-rigid needle neuroendoscope. The authors describe a child who, at the age of 1 month, was admitted to Neurosurgical Department No. 1 of the Federal Center for Neurosurgery of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation in Tyumen with a diagnosis of congenital internal occlusive hydrocephalus, subcompensated course. MRI scan of the brain: triventricular occlusive asymmetric hydrocephalus is visualized, adhesions in the upper parts of the aqueduct, supracerebellar arachnoid cyst were visualised. ETV, aqueductoplasty, fenestration of the supracerebellar cyst were performed. There were no postoperative neurological, endocrine and infectious complications. The observation period after surgery is 7 years from today. Conclusion: preoperative MRI analysis of the structures of the third ventricular floor, interventricular and prepontine cisterns is important for understanding endoscopic, microsurgical anatomy and surgical planning. The use of modern improved endoscopic instruments, low-traumatic performance of all stages of the operation allow to restore cerebrospinal fluid circulation and achieve high efficiency in the treatment of occlusive hydrocephalus in the long-term period. This, in turn, relieves patients of the shunt-dependent state, constant correction of the dysfunctions of the shunt system and long-term, and often ineffective, treatment performed by neurologists and pediatricians.

Efficacy and safety of the Miethke programmable differential pressure valve (proGAV®2.0): a single-centre retrospective analysis

Purpose Achieving decompression without CSF over-drainage remains a challenge in hydrocephalus. Differential pressure valves are a popular treatment modality, with evidence suggesting that incorporation of gravitational units helps minimise over-drainage. This study seeks to describe the utility of the proGAV®2.0 programmable valve in a paediatric population. Methods Clinical records and imaging of all patients fitted with proGAV®2.0 valves and Miethke fixed-pressure valves between 2014 and 2019 at our tertiary centre were analysed. Patient demographics, indication for shunt and valve insertion/revision and time to shunt/valve revision were collected. Ventricular linear metrics (fronto-occipital horn ratio (FOHR) and fronto-occipital horn width ratio (FOHWR)) were collected pre- and post-valve insertion. Microsoft Excel and SPSS v24 were used for data collection and statistical analysis. Results Eighty-eight proGAV®2.0 valves were inserted in a population of 77 patients (n = 45 males (58%), mean age 5.1 years (IQR: 0.4–11.0 years)). A total of 102 Miethke fixed-pressure valves were inserted over the same time period. Median follow-up was 17.5 months (1.0–47.3). One (1.1%) proGAV®2.0 was revised due to over-drainage, compared to 2 (1.9%) fixed-pressure valves (p > 0.05). ProGAV®2.0 insertion resulted in a significant decrease in the mean number of revisions per patient per year (1.77 vs 0.25; p = 0.01). Overall shunt system survival with the proGAV®2.0 was 80.4% at 12 months, and mean time to revision was 37.1 months, compared to 31.0 months (95%CI: 25.7–36.3) and 58.3% in fixed-pressure valves (p < 0.01). Significant decreases were seen following proGAV®2.0 insertion in both FOHR and FOHWR, by 0.014 (95%CI: 0.006–0.023, p = 0.002) and 0.037 (95%CI: 0.005–0.069, p = 0.024) respectively. Conclusion The proGAV®2.0 provides effective decompression of hydrocephalic patients, significantly reduces the number of valve revisions per patient and had a significantly greater mean time to revision than fixed-pressure valves.

Distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter tightly coiled around the valve in the absence of a subgaleal cerebrospinal fluid collection: illustrative case

BACKGROUND Among the known complications of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts, subcutaneous or subgaleal migration of distal catheters is rare. Prior case reports have proposed several risk factors, including inadequate fixation of the shunt device, presence of a large subgaleal space filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and repetitive flexion/extension movement of the head producing a “windlass effect.” Tight coiling of a distal catheter around the valve without a large subgaleal space has not been reported. OBSERVATIONS The patient was born prematurely and underwent VP shunt placement for posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation at 3 months of age with reassuring postoperative imaging. At approximately 3 years of age, shunt radiography and head computed tomography unexpectedly showed excess tubing coiled extracranially around the shunt valve. The patient did not exhibit any clinical symptoms of shunt malfunction and underwent an uneventful revision of the VP shunt system. No CSF-filled subgaleal space was observed intraoperatively. LESSONS Distal catheter migration can occur without the clear presence of a subgaleal CSF collection and symptoms of acute hydrocephalus. Appropriate fixation of the shunt system using nonabsorbable stitches is recommended to prevent catheter migration caused by the windlass effect.

An Indigenous Method of Securing Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Tube in Peritoneal Cavity

Introduction Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is the most common procedure used for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in hydrocephalus. Over the years, many technical, procedural, and instrument-related advancements have taken place which have reduced the associated complication rates. Shunt block is a very common complication irrespective of the shunt system used. The abdominal end of the shunt tube gets blocked usually due to plugging of omentum onto the shunt catheter. We describe a technique of catheter fixation and placement under vision coupled with omentopexy done laparoscopically to prevent this complication. Materials and Methods This technique was used in 23 patients (11 female, 12 male; range 16–73 years) afflicted with hydrocephalus from June 2016 and December 2019 after obtaining an informed consent, and the outcomes were noted in terms of shunt patency, complications, if any, and the need for revision. Results The median operation time was 90 minutes (range 35–160 minutes). All shunt catheters were still functional after a mean follow-up of 16.5 months (range 1–34 months) and none required revision. Conclusion Laparoscopic placement of shunt tube along with omental folding is a safe and effective technique for salvaging the abdominal end of VPS and may be helpful in reducing shunt blockage.

Shunt Infection

The improvement in the management of hydrocephalus comes from the following: early diagnosis, radiological investigation, better knowledge of mechanisms, quality of material, surgical technique of implantation, less shunt complications (e.g.infections) and alternatives to shunt (e.g. Neuroendoscopy). However, shunt infection does not improve in the last decades, ranging from 3 to 12%. Shunt infection can be classified in: would infection, CSF infection, infected shunt system, abdominal complications (infection). The main agent is Staphylococcus, causing 67%-85% of problems, mainly due to colonization of shunt by skin flora. The majority of cases occur during the first 2 months (85%), late infection is rare. Risk factors to infection are the following: the cause of hydrocephalus, clinical condition and the age of children, operation time of the day, the duration of the shunt operation, the number of persons in OR, shunt material (Antibiotic catheter), presence of previously shunt system, postoperative CSF leak, perioperative antibiotics and economic level of Medical Center. Recommended management of shunt infection: removal of the shunt, insertion of an external drainage (EVD) (always in operation room), change EVD after 15 days, intravenous antibiotics, replacement of ventriculoperitoneal shunt after 3 sterile cultures. The most feared complications of Shunt infection are mortality, morbidity and cost. In conclusion: SHUNT INFECTION IS NOT A FATALITY

Multimodal Sensing Capabilities for the Detection of Shunt Failure

Hydrocephalus is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the cavities of the brain called ventricles. It frequently follows pediatric and adult congenital malformations, stroke, meningitis, aneurysmal rupture, brain tumors, and traumatic brain injury. CSF diversion devices, or shunts, have become the primary therapy for hydrocephalus treatment for nearly 60 years. However, routine treatment complications associated with a shunt device are infection, obstruction, and over drainage. Although some (regrettably, the minority) patients with shunts can go for years without complications, even those lucky few may potentially experience one shunt malfunction; a shunt complication can require emergency intervention. Here, we present a soft, wireless device that monitors distal terminal fluid flow and transmits measurements to a smartphone via a low-power Bluetooth communication when requested. The proposed multimodal sensing device enabled by flow sensors, for measurements of flow rate and electrodes for measurements of resistance in a fluidic chamber, allows precision measurement of CSF flow rate over a long time and under any circumstances caused by unexpected or abnormal events. A universal design compatible with any modern commercial spinal fluid shunt system would enable the widespread use of this technology.

Modified Infant Feeding Tube as an Indigenous Endotracheal Tube in Unanticipated Congenital Subglottic Stenosis

Introduction: In neonates with an unanticipated difficult airway, there is an increased probability of failed intubation even with highly trained hands while performing direct laryngoscopy. Aims: We describe our experience of using a modified infant feeding tube (IFT) as an indigenous endotracheal tube (ETT) in a series of paediatric surgical patients with congenital subglottic stenosis (SGS). Material and Methods: A retrospective study was performed in our institute from January 2018 to December 2019. ETT with modified 6 and 8 French (Fr) sized IFT’s were used. A stylet obtained from the VP shunt system was used to aid in intubation. Results: Out of 12,500 admissions in our department, there were 5 pediatric cases with SGS which were managed using modified IFT. Four were neonates and 1 infant (M:F = 2:3). Modified IFT(s) were used after failed intubation with ETT of size 2.5 mm in 4 patients (non-availability of ETT of size 2 mm), while in one neonate, even 2 mm ETT could not be negotiated due to SGS. In all the 5 children, successful intubation was finally performed with modified 8 French (Fr) IFT in 3, and with modified 6 Fr IFT in two cases. The surgical procedure was completed in 4 neonates out of 5 cases, while in one infant it was deferred due to the clinical condition of the patient and significant SGS. Conclusion: All 5 patients with SGS were managed without performing a tracheostomy. Modified IFT(s) is an effective alternative if smaller sized ETT(s) cannot be negotiated or unavailable in difficult neonatal and paediatric airway. This modified IFT as ETT has to be an important part of the emergency airway tray. It should not be considered as a replacement for routine use of standard ETT.